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Health Library Phototherapy for Atopic DermatitisFrom Healthwise

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Phototherapy for Atopic Dermatitis

Treatment Overview

Phototherapy is the supervised use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis. Ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA), or a combination of UVB and UVA may be used during therapy.

During phototherapy, you stand in a booth that contains light tubes that give off UV light. Goggles should be worn to protect your eyes during treatment. Men need to shield their genitals to avoid an increased risk of genital cancer.

What To Expect After Treatment

As your skin recovers from treatment, it should be checked frequently (at least once or twice a year) for signs of skin damage or skin cancer.

Why It Is Done

Phototherapy is usually used for mild to moderate cases of atopic dermatitis in adults. It is used only for severe symptoms in children.

How Well It Works

Phototherapy with ultraviolet (UV) light can be an effective treatment for severe atopic dermatitis. Combined UVA and UVB light have a more beneficial effect than UVA or UVB light alone.

UV light may help prevent bacterial infections, which are a particular problem in people with atopic dermatitis.

Risks

Risks related to phototherapy include:

  • Skin cancer and cancer. Exposure to UV light may result in skin cancer. The male genitals are highly susceptible to the cancer-causing effects of UV therapy.
  • Skin damage. Exposure to UV light may lead to sunburn and skin damage.
  • Cataracts. The risk of cataracts can be reduced by regular use of sunglasses that block UV light when outdoors.
  • Other skin diseases getting worse.

UVA produces fewer and milder short-term side effects than equal doses of UVB light.

What To Think About

UVB treatment requires little time (from seconds to minutes), while UVA treatment is more time-consuming (typically 20 minutes per treatment).

A similar type of treatment, psoralen plus ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA) combines a type of medicine (psoralen) with ultraviolet A (UVA) light to treat atopic dermatitis. The psoralen makes the skin more sensitive to the ultraviolet light. This therapy has additional risks but enhances the effectiveness of UVA light.

Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAlexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last RevisedApril 30, 2010

Last Revised: April 30, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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